The Importance of Home Insurance

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A home for you and the people you love is one of the most important and expensive investments you will make in your lifetime. This is why you will want to protect it adequately by having adequate home insurance in place. The agents at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., serving the San Francisco, CA area, don’t hesitate to stress the importance of home insurance, even if your mortgage is paid off.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

It would be best if you were prepared for whatever may come your way regarding your home. This includes natural disasters, acts of vandalism, or fires that can destroy or damage your house.

Home insurance will cover the structure of your house if it is damaged or destroyed, as well as items inside your house. These items include your furniture, appliances, other household items, and even your personal belongings, such as clothes and toiletries. Many home insurance policies will also cover outbuildings on your property, including garages, decks, and sheds. Also, if your home is burglarized and items are stolen, your home insurance can help replace these items.

If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will require you to have a home insurance policy in place. Even if you do not owe money to purchase your home, it is crucial to have home insurance anyway to protect the investment you have made in the home you love.

Contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc.

The home insurance agents at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., serving the San Francisco, CA area, are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs, including your home insurance policy. Call for a quote today and get your policy started.

Five Things You Need To Know About Commercial Insurance In California

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California Commercial Insurance Basics

Owning a business comes with a long list of responsibilities, including one new business owners often forget: securing the proper insurance coverage.

In California, several types of commercial insurance policies are available for business owners.

Talk to the experts at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services in San Francisco, CA, to learn about the best commercial insurance policies to help small business owners protect their businesses! 

Five Things You Need To Know About Commercial Insurance in California

#1. The type and amount of commercial insurance coverage you need will depend on the specific needs of your business.

Find the best commercial insurance coverage for your needs by talking to a licensed and experienced insurance agent about your goals.

#2. Commercial auto insurance is required if you own or operate a vehicle for business purposes.

California business owners who use a vehicle for day-to-day business operations (including deliveries) must be covered by the proper commercial insurance policy or have auto insurance.

#3. Employer’s liability insurance may be required for any businesses with employees in California.

Commercial insurance policies with liability coverage can help protect your business from financial loss or lawsuits if an employee is injured.

#4. If you lease or rent commercial property, you will need to carry commercial property insurance.

A commercial insurance policy can protect your business belongings and office equipment in the event of damage, theft, and unexpected financial loss.

#5. Product liability insurance is vital for any business that manufactures, sells, or distributes products to consumers.

This commercial coverage protects your business against claims arising from injuries or damages caused by a defective product.

Contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. for a free San Fransico, CA quote!

Get Ready to Take the Road: Three Expert Car Maintenance Tips

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Whether on a road trip or just commuting around San Francisco, CA, it’s essential to have a well-maintained car. Even if you don’t know much about car maintenance, you can take some easy steps to keep your vehicle in good shape.

Here are three expert car maintenance tips from Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. that will help you get ready for the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Change Your Oil Regularly:

Changing your vehicle’s oil is essential for several reasons:

  1. It ensures that the oil in your engine is clean and free of contaminants. This helps to prevent wear and tear on engine components, and it also helps to keep your engine running smoothly.

  2. Regular oil changes help to improve fuel economy and extend the life of your machine.

  3. Regularly changing your oil helps to prevent significant damage from occurring later.

Monitor Tire Pressure and Tire Wear:

Proper tire inflation helps to ensure that your vehicle is operating at maximum efficiency and safety. Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption, reduce handling and braking ability, and increase the risk of a tire blowout. Monitoring tire wear helps to identify when it is time to replace the tires. Worn-out tires can cause a loss of control while driving and make it more difficult to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Get Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Checks:

Regular professional maintenance checks on your vehicle can help you fix any problems with your car before they become significant issues. This will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Professional maintenance checks can also help you save money in the long run by improving your car’s fuel economy, reducing wear and tear, and extending its lifespan.

At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., in San Francisco, CA, we take pride in providing our customers with the highest quality service. Contact us today to get started!

In Case of Fire

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A fire is always tragic. Some things lost in a fire can never be truly replaced. However, the disaster can be mitigated if your home is insured against fire damage. With fire insurance, you at least have a chance to rebuild and start over. If such a disaster happens, stay calm, remind yourself of what you do have (you’re still alive, after all) and do the following. 

Document Your Losses

After you’ve counted your blessings for your mental health, it’s time to get real and take stock of what has been lost. Start taking photos of all the damaged property and belongings. Video documentation works too. This will be proof that the fire happened. Ideally, you will have kept receipts and a contents list with your insurance policy. Once you’ve documented everything, board it up to discourage looters or weather damage. 

Meet With the Adjuster 

Your insurance adjuster will want to have a look at the damaged property. Be there to show them around and point things out. Document everything from policy maximums to deductibles. You may want to ask them about the loss of use coverage and other signed forms that may be necessary. Verify with them your type of coverage and ask for repair estimates. If the damage was so bad you had to leave your home, you may want to ask for an advance on your claim to cover your new expenses. 

Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. Serving San Francisco, CA 

Whether the fire was electrical, a kitchen mishap, or a wildfire out of control, losing a home to a fire can be disastrous. If you plan for a disaster before it happens, it will be easier to get back on your feet. Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. realizes every situation is unique and will do all they can to help you in this difficult time. 

Must-have Commercial Insurance Policies For Your Business

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Every business owner has a story of where they started and are heading. Unfortunately, in all this planning, a disaster can strike and cause a standstill to the smooth progress of your business. As a business owner, you should protect the things that bring success to your business by mitigating unforeseen disasters through commercial insurance. It’s, therefore, paramount to understand the significance of commercial insurance in your risk mitigation strategy.

Tons of commercial insurance policies exist. Finding the ones that suit your business can be challenging. However, Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. narrows down to must-have business insurance policies for your business.  

  • General liability: Unexpected injuries or damage can occur on your premises while running a business. If the accidents result in bodily injuries or damage to a third party, the insurance takes care of the expenses. Additionally, liability coverage covers the legal fees if the injuries result from negligence and the business gets sued.
  • Workers’ compensation: California requires every employer to have employee compensation insurance, even if it’s one employee. If an employee gets injured in the workplace, the policy covers medical or related legal costs if you get sued. The policy also compensates for lost wages if the employee cannot work anymore due to injury or sickness.
  • Property insurance: You could suffer a substantial loss if a disaster strikes and destroys your business building and the items inside. Property insurance pays for the loss of your business assets, reducing your financial burden.
  • Product liability insurance: Product liability insurance is a must-have if your business sells or manufactures products. It protects your business in case of harm caused by your product.

Commercial insurance in San Francisco, CA

Only in a perfect world will commercial insurance not be required. As a responsible business owner, you need to plan ahead of time in case of an unfortunate event. Commercial insurance gives you peace of mind as you focus on your company’s goals. If you live in San Francisco, CA, and want to insure your business, look no further than Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. for all your commercial insurance needs.

Benefits of protecting your San Francisco apartment with a comprehensive renter’s policy

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Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. understands the challenges of living in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding area. If you live in the area, choosing a comprehensive renter’s policy often makes sense. Our team is here to help you find the right policy for your needs. Call or stop by the office today.

Benefits of a comprehensive renter’s policy

While a basic policy is better than no insurance, a comprehensive renter’s insurance policy is often the right way. There are many benefits to carrying out such a policy, as they typically provide a wider range of coverage and offer policies with higher limits.

With a comprehensive policy, you can often have protection for higher-priced items like personal electronics. If you are in a work from home situation, your employer may require a certain level of coverage, especially if you have company-owned devices in your home. 

Comprehensive policies also often come with more robust liability protection. This is important coverage for anyone who has others working in their home or who entertains regularly. If someone is injured in your home, you will have protection to shield you from liability. Please find out more about the comprehensive renter insurance policies currently available in our area.

Let us help you with all of your insurance needs.

Renters in the greater San Francisco, CA area can turn to the Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. team for all of their insurance needs. A comprehensive renter’s policy is an effective way to protect your home and your belongings. Give us a call or stop by our office today.

We look forward to working with you!

When Do You Need To Upgrade Your Home Insurance?

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Your home is one of your most important assets. You may not think about it often, but when something happens and you need to claim your homeowner’s insurance, you’ll be glad you have it. So how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your policy? Here are four signs that it might be time for an upgrade.

1. You’ve Made Significant Renovations to Your Home

If you’ve made significant renovations to your home, it may be time to upgrade your insurance policy. These changes can affect both the value of your home and the amount of coverage you need. For example, if you’ve added an addition or finished a basement, your home’s value has likely gone up, which means you’ll need more coverage.

2. You Have Not Reviewed Your Policy in a While

Homeowners’ insurance policies are not one-size-fits-all. As your life changes, your coverage should change with it. If you’ve had the same policy for a few years and haven’t reviewed it recently, it’s a good idea. Your needs may have changed, and you may be able to get a better rate by shopping around.

3. You Bought a Dog

If you’ve recently added a furry friend to your family, you may need to upgrade your home insurance policy. Some policies exclude coverage for dog bites, so it’s important to check with your insurer to see if you’re covered.

4. You Have Installed a Security System

Having a security system can help deter burglars and protect your home. It can also help you get a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. If you’ve recently installed a security system, let your insurer know so they can apply the discount to your policy.

Get Home Insurance in San Francisco, CA

Your home is one of your most important assets, so it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. If you’re unsure if your policy is up to date, contact Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. We’ll be happy to review your policy and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Does My New Car Loan Require Full Auto Insurance Coverage?

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Like most people, you probably have many questions about auto insurance. Do I need it? What kind of coverage do I need? How much will it cost me? Here’s the deal: All drivers must carry liability insurance in San Francisco, CA. But if you have a new car loan, your lender will probably require you to have full coverage insurance.

Liability Vs. Full Coverage

So, what’s the difference between liability and full coverage insurance? Liability insurance covers damage to other people and property if you cause an accident. Full coverage insurance also covers damage to your vehicle, no matter who is at fault.

If you’re financing a new car, your lender will require you to have full coverage insurance until the loan is paid off. That’s because the lender wants to ensure they protect their investment in case of an accident. Your Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. agent can help you find the right full coverage policy to fit your needs and budget.

What Does Full Coverage Include?

Full coverage insurance typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you hit another car or object or another vehicle hit your car. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, or vandalism.

How Much Does Full Coverage Insurance Cost in San Francisco, CA?

Total coverage insurance costs vary depending on several factors, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, and the amount of coverage you choose. Full coverage insurance costs more than liability insurance. But the extra cost is often worth it, especially if you’re financing a new car.

A Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. representative can help you choose the right insurance coverage for your needs and budget. Call us today to get started.

Reasons Why Renters Insurance Is A Must-Have

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Do you rent your home or apartment in San Francisco, CA? If yes, you need renters insurance.

1. Your Landlord’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover You

Most people renting residential property usually dismiss the idea of getting renter’s insurance because they believe their landlord’s insurance covers them. This isn’t correct, as your landlord’s policy only covers your landlord’s property and liability, not his tenants. You need your own renters’ insurance.

2. Protection for Your Personal Belongings

A renters insurance will cover your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or loss to natural disasters. This includes personal property like furniture, art, electronics, appliances, jewelry, and beddings. Ensure that you take an accurate inventory of your personal belongings when purchasing your renters’ insurance. At Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc., we advise you to update your personal belongings’ inventory with your insurer whenever you make a big purchase.

3. You Get Your Own Liability Coverage

Purchasing a renters insurance means that you get your own liability coverage if someone gets injured in your home. The insurance policy will cover liability resulting from an accident such as your visitor tripping and falling or injury from a pet. The renter’s insurance will protect your savings, income, and assets from being used to settle a liability for injuries to other people inside your rented home.

4. Coverage for Additional Living Expenses

Once in a while, your landlord will need to do massive renovations on the property you are renting, and this means you will have to find somewhere else to live, for the time being, like a hotel. The cost of living in the hotel will likely exceed your typical monthly rent, and you will need to pay for storage space for your personal belongings. Renters’ insurance will take care of these additional living expenses.

Do you need top-class renters insurance in San Francisco, CA? Call Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. today.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in California?

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If you own a small business in California, you’ll want to stay informed on any changes in state law regarding insurance requirements. Currently, California mandates that businesses have two types of insurance at all times – workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance. The first type, workers’ compensation insurance, is required for businesses with any employees and helps pay for the medical bills and lost wages associated with a workplace injury or illness. The second type, commercial auto insurance, is needed for any business-owned vehicle. Additionally, if employees use personal vehicles for work, it is highly recommended that hired and non-owned policies be purchased because most personal auto policies exclude business use. 

While none of the following insurance is required for your business, they are highly recommended as they provide additional coverage should an incident requiring insurance occur. 

  • Cyber Liability Insurance: If your business suffers a cyber-attack, this insurance can be used to cover the cost of notifying impacted customers, regulatory fines, extortion payments, and legal fees.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Covers the legal costs associated with a breach of contract, negligence, and other similar claims made by a customer.
  • Crime Insurance: If your business is the victim of a theft or robbery, this coverage can help you recover from these losses.
  • Business Income Insurance: Should your business be forced to close, this coverage contributes to paying rent and other bills.
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance: Provides excess liability coverage beyond your existing policy limits. 

Call Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco, CA for more information on insuring your business. Our friendly and knowledgeable team of insurance professionals are happy to answer all your questions and can help customize a commercial insurance policy that best protects your business.